Manipulate
To control or use something or someone in a skillful or unscrupulous way; to influence outcomes by handling or guiding them.
verbManipulate
To control or use something or someone in a skillful or unscrupulous way; to influence outcomes by handling or guiding them.
verbImagine This
Imagine a puppeteer deftly moving strings to make a marionette perform exactly as he intends, shaping every gesture to achieve a specific outcome.
Sounds Like
mə-NIP-yuh-layt
Looks Like
Starts with 'man' and ends with 'late'; visually resembles the word 'manual' because of its hand-related sense
Remember This
Etymology comes from Latin manipulare 'to handle,' from manus 'hand'.
Other Forms
Connect With
control, influence, maneuver, handle, operate
Note
When referring to people, 'manipulate' often has a negative connotation (trickery or exploitation). When referring to tools or machines, it can be neutral (to operate or adjust).